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Syphilis outbreak leads to adult film industry group call for porn production shutdown

Wrapped packages of condoms and other safe-sex items are seen before a free clinic offering HIV testing December 1, 2010. A recent syphilis outbreak has led an adult film industry group to call for a temporary shutdown of adult film production. Chris Hondros/Getty Images

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An adult film industry trade group has called for a temporary shutdown of production due to a recent outbreak of syphilis among adult film actors.

The Free Speech Coalition says one performer who tested positive for syphilis has been in touch with the group and is meeting with its medical professionals. They’re discussing not only the performer’s condition and treatment, but also identifying potential partners.

The Coalition called for a production moratorium “until the risk to performers has been assessed.” Its Adult Protection Safety Services arm said in a blog post over the weekend that testing the entire population is the most prudent strategy. The Los Angeles County Health Department is also investigating the recent syphilis outbreak.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has pushed for the mandatory use of condoms on adult film sets, held a news conference Monday to discuss the situation.